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US: MLS transfer news update [Sat Sep 17th, 2005]
The FIFA international transfer window closed yesterday with several MLS teams making last-minute moves to bolster their squads as the 2005 season winds down. The only team not to make a move in the month-long period were the Columbus Crew, though they certainly could have used some help to make a push for the playoffs.
The two first-placed teams took different routes to get ready for the playoffs. San Jose only added a developmental player, meaning their side will remain in the status quo for the second season.
New England, on the other hand, added three players, the last just as the window was closing. Daniel Hernandez returns to the Revs where he suited up in 2002 and ’03, adding depth to the defensive midfield spot behind Shalrie Joseph.
Ricardo Phillips and Kevin Lochhead, internationals from Panama and New Zealand respectively, were also brought in, but won’t have as much of an impact as Hernandez.
The other three seemingly playoff-bound teams made moves, but only DC United brought in an instant impact player. For the second consecutive season, an Argentine was added to the Black-and-Red when defender Facundo Erpen joined the club. He has now replaced Bobby Boswell, after a rough stretch by the rookie, at the centre of the United defence.
“La Bicicleta†looks to anchor the team as they make a run for their fifth MLS Cup.
Kansas City brought in a pair of attack-minded players in Jamaican midfielder Jermaine Hue and Finnish striker Antti Sumiala. The two will be used primarily coming off the bench, but Sumiala gives head coach Bob Gansler another option should rookie Scott Sealy not return to his scoring ways.
Chicago made a minor move, adding Andy Rosenband to the team, one that is not expected to impact the Fire’s squad. The Metros added an Argentine of their own, holding midfielder Daniel Garipe, as they look to emulate their Atlantic Cup rivals. The Garipe could be the biggest move after Erpen’s signing, as he should bolster the Metros' sagging defence once his paperwork is finished.
Only one trade was made in the Western Conference, as Los Angeles sent Jovan Kirovski to Colorado for the Rapids’ 2007 first round pick. Kirovski can be paired up top with Jeff Cunningham, or used as an attacking midfielder as a replacement to Alain Nkong.
Diego Serna was also signed by the Mile High club, giving head coach Fernando Clavijo more firepower for his feeble attack. If Serna can find his form from 2001 and Kirovski can show some of his international class, the Pids will be the sleeper team to come out of the Western Conference.
By sending Kirovski to Colorado, the Galaxy opened up a squad spot that was then filled by Marcelo Saragosa. The Brazilian returns to the Gals, giving depth to the center of the park. For him to see action he’ll have to push aside either captain Peter Vagenas or fellow Sao Paolo product Paulo Nagamura who has had a disappointing campaign.
FC Dallas, the last team that will make the playoffs in the West, added a pair of senior internationals in English midfielder Mark Wilson and Argentinean goalkeeper Dario Sala. Wilson has already appeared in two league games, as well as the Hoops’ US Open Cup semi-final win, and the ex-Manchester United player needs to boost the attack as the team will be without Eddie Johnson for the remainder of the regular season, and possibly the playoffs.
The busiest side were last-placed Chivas, as they readied their squad for next season. New faces came across the border from their parent club, CD Guadalajara, but they were too little too late.
Francisco Palencia and Juan Pablo Garcia both started out quickly for the Goats, scoring in their debut against the MetroStars in a wild 3-3 draw, but neither have struck pay dirt since. Brad Guzan gave way to Sergio Garcia, who gave up five goals in less than two games before straining his hip flexor muscle, giving way back to Guzan.
Pat Walsh
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